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Workshop of Giovanni Bellini, 'The Adoration of the Kings', about 1475-80

About the work

Overview

In order to meet the huge demand for his paintings, Giovanni Bellini had a large workshop of assistants who produced works in his style, under his supervision – like this one, which shows the Three Kings worshipping the infant Christ. According to the Gospel of Matthew they followed a star – we can see it in the sky above Christ – to find him.

This painting is as much a landscape as it is a narrative painting. As is common in Bellini’s pictures, the natural features enhance the story: the expansive landscape can incorporate the long line of the kings‘ entourages, descending down the hillside path towards the holy family. The kings were from ’the east', which meant that painters could depict them wearing outfits, particularly turbans, that they associated with cultures in the Eastern Mediterranean and beyond.

The paint surface is considerably worn but the head of the king kneeling at the front is the best preserved part of the picture.

Key facts

Details

Full title
The Adoration of the Kings
Artist
Workshop of Giovanni Bellini
Artist dates
about 1435 - 1516
Date made
about 1475-80
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
109.9 × 208.9 cm
Acquisition credit
Layard Bequest, 1916
Inventory number
NG3098
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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